Physics Minor

A Minor in Physics recognizes interest and significant study in Physics, while requiring less time and fewer classes than needed to major in Physics. If you are majoring in a different field but wish to take some Physics classes beyond the introductory level, or if you began work toward a Physics B.S. but found your interests shifting in another direction, completing a minor in Physics may be a natural choice. There are no admissions requirements for a minor.

The UW Physics department offers three options for completing a Physics Minor, with common basic requirements and differing additional requirements at the 200 level and above. These are a physics education path, which requires Phys 407/408/409 (Physics by Inquiry), an experimental physics path requiring Phys 231 (Introductory Experimental Physics) plus additional labs, and a mathematical physics path requiring Phys 227/228 (Mathematical Methods of Physics) plus more electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.

Note: Astronomy supports students through the Physics/Astronomy double major, but generally does not allow a Physics minor for Astronomy majors since it is redundant.

Physics Minor Requirements

See UW Minors for university regulations regarding minors. The key points are:

• When declaring a minor, you must have earned at least 45 credits, and already have a declared major.
• A grade of 2.0 or higher is required in all courses leading to the minor.
• The minor cannot be in same field as the major. A maximum of three minors is permitted. Minors are not allowed for post-baccalaureate students.
• If you major in one College and minor in a different College, you must complete the general education requirements of the College of the major, but need not complete the general education requirements of the College of the minor.

There are three options for completing a Physics Minor, with common basic requirements and differing additional requirements at the 200 level and above.

Common Requirements (36 credits)

Many STEM majors will have already taken most or all these classes:

Option 1: Physics Education Path (addl. 15 credits)

Option 2: Experimental Physics Path (addl. 9 credits)

Option 3: Mathematical Physics Path (addl. 12 credits)

Last updated: 02/2024